How Is Syphilis Developed? What Happens to People with This Common STD?

It is a lot worse to not know whether-or not you might have syphilis rather than know for certain. Syphilis is a common STD that can take a damper on various systems inside your body if it isn’t treated and diagnosed. Even though it poses a serious threat to a person, it can easily be contained in the early stages of development with antibiotics.

If you fear that you might have STDs such as syphilis, or you might be curious about how syphilis is spread, continue reading to learn more about this STD that Singapore can do without.

Syphilis is known as the “great imitator” among medical experts. The one thing that separates it from the other STDs like gonorrhea is chancres. Chancres are identified by their small, round appearance, acting as sores in the skin or body. Syphilis can spread from one person to another through these sores. Like almost any other STD Singapore identifies, you can’t get syphilis or give someone else syphilis from casual contact, such as hugging or sharing food. Syphilis is instead shared through sex from the mouth, vagina, and/or anus. Occasionally, it can also be developed via prolonged periods of kissing or deep bodily contact.

Additionally, syphilis can be passed from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. If you are pregnant, it is recommended to be tested for STDs as soon as possible.

The development cycle of syphilis is documented by three phases. The first phase commences with the appearance of the first chancre. This phase normally starts within the first 30 days of its infection. This phase can last for a duration of three to six weeks in total. It is very hard for most people to tell if they have syphilis or not, because the symptoms are rather concealed, and its carriers continue to live life as normal. Either the chancres are so small they are extremely hard to notice or are in places on the body that are difficult to spot, such as within the anus or vagina.

The second phase of syphilis allows the development of lesions or rashes, and these inflammations are definitely-noticed by their carriers. In addition to rashes, the carrier can also experience swollen glands, headaches, loss of hair, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. Whether or not you see a doctor or get additional treatment, this second phase will pass. If these symptoms eventually go away, that doesn’t mean that your symptoms are completely gone, getting tested is the only way for you to be completely sure.

The third phase is known as the “latent phase”. This phase can last for decades after contraction, and people who have lived with syphilis may continue to do so without experiencing any further pain. Even so, there is always a chance that syphilis can negatively affect the brain, eyes, liver, heart, and/or nerves. Syphilis is also able to enter the nervous system or eyes, which can lead to conditions from mild headaches to paralysis or even blindness.

If left untreated, syphilis is known to give its carrier some menacing effects. Thankfully, breakthroughs in today’s medicine that treats syphilis rarely guarantee similar issues. Syphilis is often treated with an injection of penicillin, but those who are allergic to penicillin can choose another antibiotic for treatment. If you are sexually active, your partner should also receive treatment.

Getting tested for STDs is something that many people are afraid of doing. While it may seem frightening just to go through testing, learning about your own sexual being and well-being is important.